BlackPress launches crowdfunding initiative

So do the Black Press newspapers that directly serve those communities. Reflecting and raising awareness of that caring spirit is part of the core mandate of every Black Press community newspaper.

This publication is now part of an exciting new initiative undertaken by Black Press in British Columbia that works to further communicate the good work being done in communities, and provide a new opportunity for organizations and individuals to tap into that fountain of caring.

BlackPress4Good.com is an online platform that brings the popular and successful phenomenon of crowdfunding to Black Press readers.

Charitable projects, causes and campaigns are now able to deliver their message on the community level, safely and securely, in an online format to reach the vast digital audience and funding sources.

“Crowdfunding provides a means for individuals,organizations and businesses to raise money by appealing to the public,” explained Andrew Franklin, project lead for Black Press.

“This platform is community focused and will be enhanced through the power of your local newspaper. The audience will be very aware of the campaigns and it will be up to the public as to whether they make a donation or not. Early indications show very positive signs. In addition to the exposure through your community media, the success of the campaigns will also rely on active social media participation. Anyone can set up a campaign, however there are safeguards in place to ensure each campaign is legitimate,” Franklin said.

Black Press has launched this new community service in partnership with FundRazr, the platform at the roots of BlackPress4Good.com. More than 40,000 people and groups around the world have raised in excess of $50 million via FundRazr.

Fundraisers register online via the link on this newspaper’s website home page, provide information about their objectives and fund recipients, and their project profiles are then posted on a dedicated website page to reach out to readers, who can monitor the progress of a specific cause. Supporters make their donations via PayPal, a secure and well-established digital payment system.

Under 10 per cent of the total amount raised will be levied by FundRazr, PayPal and Black Press to recover the administration, support, marketing and hosting costs associated with this initiative.

Readers will also have the opportunity to be inspired and touched by the good news content of the Black Press 4Good blog, at blogs.blackpress4good.com/. This site’s content is solely based on the good news stories being reported in Black Press papers across the province. Be introduced to the countless individuals and organizations who are making their communities better places to live.